BEESTON have quickly set their sights on conquering Europe, after successfully defending their English Premier Division title.

The Bees won the championship in a thrilling penalty shootout in the play-off final against East Grinstead.

And they are now preparing for a last-16 clash in the Euro Hockey League against Belgium champions Waterloo Ducks in Eindhoven on April 17.

“The league play-offs are the perfect preparation for us because it’s knockout time in Europe too now,” said boss Graham Griffiths. “Winning the league has also given us the perfect boost going out there.”

Goalkeeper George Pinner was Beeston’s hero in their shootout triumph against East Grinstead, making three saves as his team-mates Adam Dixon, Sam Ward and Ben Arnold all held their nerve to score their penalties in a 3-1 win.

“It’s most probably been the hardest season in the 28 years I’ve been here,” said Griffiths.

“We’ve had a lot of players miles away at Bisham Abbey because of the new centralised international training programme, we’ve had injuries and Martin Scanlon getting cancer, so it’s been very hard, which makes winning it even more special.

“We went into the play-offs confident.

“We were missing (David) Ames and (Gordon) McIntyre with injuries, but then we had George Pinner and Harry Martin back.

“We played some staggering hockey in the semi-final against Reading (to win 4-2).

“I’ve seen us play some good stuff over the years and that was right up there.

“We played well in the final as well.

“Our defence was brilliant, not giving away one short corner at all.

“They just didn’t put a foot wrong and that was the reason we went on to win it.

“I was fine when it went to penalties.

“Pinner is the best in the business at saving them and we practice taking them a lot, so I expected us to do it.

“The trophy is already back in the cabinet – it’s a great feeling to bring it back.”